Northern Wisconsin Fishing Report - January 25th, 2013

Posted on January 24, 2013

ASHLAND AREA

The area had more odd weather again, when the temperatures rose and it rained. Now there is very little snow and ice covering everything. Trappers are active, as are bobcat hunters. Ice fishermen also are active, with reports of mixed success. Ice conditions are great, but be sure to check the ice before venturing out.
Angler’s All, (715) 682-5754.
River Rock, (715) 682-3232.

BOULDER JUNCTION AREA

Ice and travel conditions are the best they have been in a couple of years. A lack of snow and single-digit temps have created great ice access, and the fishing action hasn’t been too bad, either. Any slush that appeared following the rain has frozen down.
Northern Highland Sports Shop, (715) 385-2134.

CHIPPEWA FALLS / EAU CLAIRE / MENOMONIE AREA

Fishing action is slow on Lake Altoona, but persistent anglers were still catching some huge perch and crappies, along with a few walleyes. In northern Dunn County, ice anglers have been having good luck on walleyes, perch, and bluegills. Over in Pepin County, the Mississippi River has seen anglers in boats catching mostly sauger and a few walleyes. A few anglers are venturing out on the ice of Lake Pepin, but the bite has been slow lately.
Big Mama’s Bait Shop, (715) 231-0839, Menomonie.
Mouldy’s Archery & Tackle, Chippewa Falls, (715) 723-3607.
Bill’s Sport Shop, Chippewa Falls, (715) 723-9033.

MINOCQUA/WOODRUFF/ LAKE TOMAHAWK AREA

Fishing seems to be improving over much of the area. Recent warm weather provided a great opportunity for anglers to get out and enjoy the fishing action. Anglers were catching a few fish on the Willow Flowage. Most anglers on the flowage seem to be catching small northern pike and an occasional walleye on tip-ups. Find the weedlines and breaks for fish. Ice conditions are improving after the warm spell. The recent low temperatures have solidified most lakes. Ice depths averaged 7 to 10 inches on most lakes early last week.
Island Sport Shop, (715) 356-4797.
Great Outdoors, (715) 356-6818.
Captain Hooks, (715) 277-2405.
J & J Sports, (715) 277-2616.

MARINETTE/OCONTO AREA

Anglers are starting to see better ice in the area, but care must still be taken. With 10 to 12 inches of ice on most lakes, a few fishermen are starting to drive out with cars and trucks. Fishermen are working off of the island on High Falls for crappies. Small minnows or Gulp Alive 1-inch minnows are being used. The Lake Noquebay crappie bite is slow during the day, but does improve some at night. Small minnows work the best. Bluegill action is slow all over, but does tend to improve before 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m.; wax worms, spikes, and small plastics are working the best. Ice thickness is still an issue on the Menominee River. Most anglers are congregated below the Hattie Street dam in search of walleyes. Low-light periods have been the best while anglers jig with minnows. A few open-water anglers around Stephenson Island have been fly fishing for trout with little success.
In Oconto County, some squirrel and rabbit hunters took advantage of the warm weather and went hunting. With the recent cold snap, ice has started forming on the west shore of Green Bay. Inland lakes have firmed up, but fishing has been slow. People have been walking out on the ice from Geano Beach in search of pike and whitefish. Anglers at the Oconto breakwater were fishing in the river channel for perch (which were running small), northern pike, and whitefish.
MBK Sport Shop, (715) 735-5393.
Hook, Line and Sinker, (715) 854-2073.

EAGLE RIVER AREA

With better ice, no slush, and a lack of snow, fishermen are now getting to their favorite panfishing spots and the action has been better than average on most days. Walleye action is still consistent, with the best catches coming at dusk and dawn.
Eagle Sports Center, (715) 479-8804.
Guides’ Choice, (715) 477-2248.

HAYWARD AREA

Walleye and panfish action has remained steady, and that’s probably because fishermen are now getting out to all of their favorite spots. Lake access and ice travel have improved significantly because of colder weather and a lack of snow.
Hayward Bait, (715) 634-2921.
Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau, (800) 724-2992.

SUPERIOR AREA

Ice conditions remain good, even with the recent warm weather and rain. A number of archery deer hunters continue to take advantage of the extended deer season in Superior’s metro unit 1M.
Bait Box, (715) 398-3554.

PRICE COUNTY AREA

Recent cold weather has firmed up the ice once again, and most lakes now have 10 to 12 inches of clear and solid ice. Most of the snow has melted off of the surface, and the freezing has made for some smooth and slick conditions, so be careful. There has been some light snow during the past few days, but ice creepers and traction devices might still be a good idea. The variable weather has made for some erratic fishing. Walleyes have been one of the main species of interest, and most anglers report sporadic action. About one in three trips seems to produce any reliable action, and the best success has come on cloudy days, when temperatures reach into the 20s. Medium suckers and extra-large fatheads have been the preferred baits, and the best bite has been in the hour before dark with tip-ups in 5 to 12 feet of water. With many of the lakes in the area having stained water, after-dark fishing has been very slow. Northern pike action also has been fair, and many anglers reporting that the “picklers” have kept them from getting skunked on a trip. Large shiners and small suckers fished near any green weeds have produced the best success. Panfish anglers have seen some fair action, with some nice crappies, perch, and bluegills being found in deeper water and often suspended 1 to 3 feet off of the bottom.
Bridge Bait & Tackle, Park Falls, (715) 762-4108.
Ross’s Sport Shop, Phillips, (715) 339-3625.

SIREN AREA

The cold weather has put a small amount of snow on the ground to aid in wildlife viewing. A good variety of canine tracks can be viewed on many rural roads. Fair numbers of deer, grouse, and turkeys have been making appearances. Ice conditions vary across the county, with 10 to 14 inches on most lakes. Anglers were having some success catching panfish on small jigs and wax worms
Big Mike’s, (715) 349-2400.
Fur, Fin and Feathers Sports, (715) 349-8445.